Por donde empezar con este libro? Es uno de esos donde disfrutas la lectura pero necesitas pausas. En el principio se enfocaba más en desarrollar el ambiente en donde Freja se encontraba y no en lo que de verdad estaba pasando, en todo el mundo fantástico de los fantasmas y Singapur. Pero, pasando la mitad del libro, se desarrolló más en Freja y Ling, en sus problemas y en cómo solucionarlos, fue bastante rápido pero me dejó satisfecha.
Para ser un libro para niñes, está muy bueno. Más si es para empezar con fantasía.

This is a quick and fairly enjoyable read for middle graders. But be aware of the triggers before giving it to kids. It’s not a light read.

Trigger warning: sibling death, child death, extreme grief, depression.

Story:
Eleven year old Freja is sent to live with her dad and his new family in Singapore while her mom recovers from some mysterious illness. Her arrival coincides with the month of the hungry ghost festival, where the Chinese honour the memory of the deceased. (Kind of like a fourteen day celebration like the Día de Muertos of Mexico.) Freja is very homesick and not too accepting of her stepmom, in spite of the latter’s kind gestures towards her. What helps her is that she is a scout, and as she says, her favourite thing about being a scout is ‘learning to survive.’ This adventurous attitude finds her in an abandoned Chinese cemetery. A mysterious girl in white also appears to her, seemingly beckoning her somewhere. This leads to an unexpected spooky adventure that leaves Freja battling various forces, both human and otherwise.

On the positive side, I loved the authentic depiction of the Singaporean-Chinese customs and traditions of the Hungry Ghost festival. Though the author is Danish, she has lived in Singapore and this personal experience shows in her writing as it is very accepting and elaborate about local rituals. The locations were also beautifully penned and you will be able to visualise every place properly with the picturesque descriptions. There are some scary scenes and out-of-the-world creatures that fantasy-loving children will relish. Freja is a brave character and kids will find her adventures in the cemetery fascinating. They will also enjoy the antics of her new friends from school. I liked the character of Clementine, Freya’s stepmom, though her portrayal was a little banal at times. A special mention to Lizzie the lizard, who played a minor role in the story but still kept me entertained.

On the other hand, the story gets a bit too complicated at times. The cultural details that provide a regional flavour to the narrative also end up adding needless convolutions. The second half of the book gets cluttered because of this issue. There are also many plot points left unexplained. The ending is good but not completely satisfying. There are many characters who aren’t used adequately. They just come and go as per the need of the situation. Thus no one really makes much of an impact except for 2-3 characters. The story is also depressing in some places. Most importantly, the title creates an incorrect expectation in your mind, especially if you aren’t aware of the Singaporean festival. There is no hungry ghost in the story in the strict sense of the words. This might leave kids disappointed. I know I was!

Overall, this was an enjoyable one-time read but not a memorable one. 3.75 stars from me.

Thank you to Pushkin Press and NetGalley for the ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.

trigger warning
<spoiler> mental illness, death, grief </spoiler>

Freja moves in with her father, and that means to Singapore. It could be exciting, if she would have decided to go there instead of being forced to - and if she hadn't promised her mother to never even like her stepmom.
At least, she quickly makes friends.

Freja arrives in the Hungry Ghost month: The month people mourn their dead, and honour them, both to remember but also to appease ghosts, because those could mean bad business if angered.
Being only eleven, and very grumpy about being forced to leave her mom who needs to go to hospital, she did not do research on the culture she was going to be thrown into.
But I repeat, we're talking about a child, so I find it both believable and excuseable, not like a book I recently tried to read about a person going to school in Japan for a year and not knowing anything about country and people.

Plus points also for the depiction of school. Singapore is known for being very international, and so most of her classmates know how it is to be the new kid and having to make friends in a foreign place. They are nice. They welcome Freja and show her around. We don't get a bullying plotline because the author felt middlegrade can't be without, like so many other authors do.

Freja's stepmom has a Philippina as help. This does not only sound realistic, especially for a young mother with twins, but also we get to see how Freja interacts with the woman. I promise you her name is mentioned, not even that, Freja quickly befriends her. I am just very, very bad with names, as I started writing this, I had to look up even our protagonist's name despite only finishing this yesterday evening.
I am of the opinion that if you want to get to know a person, you have to see how they interact with people that would be considered of lower social status, for example, the people hired to do housework. And... I believe her name is Maya, is the first person Freja meets in the new-to-her household and befriends. It takes a while, but then the first few days Freja hides outside.

Not having been a girly child, I appreciate Freja's love for all things outdoorsy. How she annoys her stepmom by going on a walk in the rainforest by herself, having muddy shoes, carrying survival equipment around with her. Being more comfortable in a forest, with a map and a compass, than in social settings where she is supposed to look nice and make small talk.

The main chunk of the story is about ghosts, befriending them, how they work in this culture, and finding out more about the person they were in life. Ignorance about different cultures is so much more excusable in a person that young, and Freja does not mind learning. She comes with a preset idea of how the world runs, telling a boy that no, it's not the seventh month, we already have august, thank you very much, and is rebuked, being told that there is more than one calender on this planet.
She learns, and the reader joins her, being entertaines all the while.

Listen, I had fun. It reminded me of Black Water Sister for a younger audience.
I would read this again, more by the same author, and more in a similiar setting.
The arc was provided by the publisher.

Thank you H.S. Norup, Pushkin Press and NetGalley for the digital arc of this book. The moment I started reading, I couldn't put it down. It was like, I was with Freja experiencing the spooky moments.

I love the narration. The writing style is so immersive that the fiction totally transported me into the book. The plot is heart-wrenching and heavy. Of course, Freja and Ling instantly became my favourite characters. Both are not only brave but incredibly smart. As I read on, I felt their emotions, thoughts and angst against certain situations out of their grasp.

Although this fiction is for kids, I feel, every age can read. This is brilliant and heartwarming. I will definitely suggest everyone to read this book. It is sure a must read.

This was shaping up to be really interesting! It's definitely a decent middle grade book, and one I think a lot of people will enjoy. I was really into the story and I loved the setting of Singapore and the storyline was definitely setting itself up. I especially loved the Chinese folklore/mythical element as that's not always something that's seen in this genre and others. I definitely enjoyed Freja as a protagonist, she was definitely very well written. I also loved the ghost aspect, especially in relation to who the main character is. A few things were lacking to me, but I pin that on the genre and any enjoyer of middle grade would definitely love this book!!

Freja, a girl who leaves her Danish hometown and mom, moves in with her dad and his new family in Singapore. Homesick and not wanting to accept this change, we see Freja struggle to fit into her new family arrangement, especially with having to accept Clementine as her stepmother. Soon, Freja’s loneliness washes away as she discovers and befriends a ghost who is visiting during the Hungry Ghost Festival.

This was such an interesting read, especially for a middle grade book! I loved exploring all the sights, food, and culture in Singapore, and learning about their beliefs and traditions -- particularly regarding ghosts and the afterlife. (Reading about the hawker stalls and Haw Par Villa only made me want to visit Singapore even more now!) On a deeper note, themes of loss, family, friendships, divorce, grief, and adjusting to new circumstances are also explored -- which I found still to be digestible for younger audiences (amazing!!)

Norup beautifully blends reality with folklore / cultural beliefs as she paints the vibrant adventures shared by Freja and Ling and between Freja and her friends. It was fun seeing Freja put her survival knowledge (which she learned from Scouts) to the test and use Morse Code to decipher messages. Although met with skepticism, it was heartwarming to see how everything fell together in the end with certain characters. The rocky relationship between Freja and Clementine was rough to watch, and while I can’t speak from personal experience, it seems like Norup depicted a realistic, yet hopeful outlook for the two.

Overall, this is a wonderful read for kids (and anyone)!

Thanks NetGalley and Pushkin Press, Pushkin Children's Books for my copy!

Thank you, NetGalley, for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I am glad that I picked this book up. It was a fast-paced, enjoyable read that hooked me from the first page to the last one. The events took place in Singapore, which was highly interesting, and the plot was exceptionally well done.

The book was a mix of many genres: cultural folklore with mythology, adventure, and mystery. The story wasn’t particularly “scary” but decently “spooky.”

I loved most of the characters, and I loved both Ling and Freja. It wasn’t easy for the 12-year-old Freja to leave Denmark to live in Singapore with her dad, his wife, and boys. While she struggled to cope with the new life and the new family, she saw the mysterious little girl in the garden, and the journey started.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book, and I recommend it to everyone who likes the fast-paced mystery and adventure MG stories.

𝙍𝙀𝙑𝙄𝙀𝙒

THE HUNGRY GHOST
Author: H. S. Norup

#gifted by @netgalley in exchange for an honest review
pub date: 21 Sep 2021

𝙎𝙔𝙉𝙊𝙋𝙎𝙄𝙎:
"Freja arrives in Singapore during the month of the hungry ghost, when old spirits are said to roam the streets. She's struggling to settle into her dad's new, 'happy' family, and dreams only of escaping home and leaving this hot, unfamiliar city.

Then one night, a mysterious girl in a white dress appears in the garden. Freja follows this figure to lush, secretive corners of the city, seeking to understand the girl's identity. Her search will lead her to an old family mystery - one that must be unravelled before the month is over, to allow both girls to be freed from the secrets of the past."

𝙈𝙔 𝙊𝙋𝙄𝙉𝙄𝙊𝙉:
One of the genres I've been trying to read this year is children's fiction so I decided to give this one a try.

It's a wonderful book and I really liked to read it. I loved learning about the bustling, beautiful country that is Singapore, and about its culture, traditions and superstitions, that play such an important part in the story.

It was looking more like a 3.5 star read until the last 1/3 of the book,but I really liked how Freja's story was told and what we learned about her and her family.

If you're looking for a book that includes SEA history and culture, as well as a beautifully written perspective on loss and grief and family, this is a book I think you'll enjoy reading.

There's also a glossary for all the foreign words the author used throughout the book, which I thought was a lovely addition to include.

💬 This book was written by a white Danish author who lived in Singapore for some time, and although I liked it I don't have enough knowledge to know if it is a respectful perspective on a culture that isn't hers, or mine. If you are from Singapore or SEA, what is your opinion on this book? Is there something better written by an SEA author I should read? Let me know in the comments!

#TheHungryGhost #NetGalley #bookreview

I’ve visited Singapore on several occasions, so H.S. Norup’s book, The Hungry Ghost, was a welcome trek to a known and beloved place. It’s enjoyable to see Singapore through the protagonist’s eyes.

Norup does a good job in her middle-grade novel of painting a picture of the Hungry Ghost Festival and how it plays into culture and customs.

The book is written from the perspective of a newly inducted Third-Culture Kid (TCK) Freja, who is Danish and moves to Singapore to stay with her father and stepmother. I loved the TCK aspect because I’m also a TCK. While this isn’t the focus of the book, I noted how the TCK experience was woven in.

“I’ve had sooo many friends move away. And I’m never the one to leave,” Kiera sighs. “I know people who won’t make friends with anyone who isn’t here long term. They simply don’t want to suffer the heartbreak.”

“It’s just as hard when you’re the one who has to move,” Sunitha shifts her school bag from one shoulder to another.

As a Third-Culture Kids myself, this quote, along with dialogue before and after, resonated with me.

I enjoyed the historical elements and the mystery Freja works to uncover throughout the novel. I loved reading mysteries as a teenager, and I’m sure I would have enjoyed this.

The book approaches issues of mental health, blended families, grief and loss. At times I felt the pacing could have been a little faster. The ending was crafted very well and was poignant.

There is one scene toward the end that might be scary to younger readers.

I received a complimentary advanced review copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and Pushkin Children's Books. All opinions are my own.

A mystery book set in Singapore, where Freja meets a ghost during the Hungry Ghost Festival who might have a connection to her own family...if only she can figure it out.
Freja is also dealing with her own problems; she's been sent to live in Singapore with her dad and stepmother and misses her mother (who appears to have suffered a mental breakdown).
I enjoyed the book and think kids will enjoy the mystery aspect and fast pace.
The tragedy revealed at the end (not something that happens, but rather memories of something that has happened) struck me as a little intense as an adult reader, but I'm not sure kids (without the same life experiences) would view it quite the same way.
A solid middle grade pick!

It's a lazy Sunday for me, it's raining and I am under my blanket taking 2-minute naps to refresh my eyes so I can keep reading this captivating ghost adventure/mystery. I didn't want to stop once I got going. My head was literally buzzing when I put the book down because I was so invested in the story. Meaning, this is the perfect escape book.

12-year old Freja leaves Denmark to live with her father, her step mother and their twin boys, in Singapore. She arrives as the month of the hungry ghost is taking place, when spirits and ghosts of ancestors roam the streets. While she is struggling to fit into her new family, she spots a mysterious girl in white in her garden. The curious Freja goes after the girl, which creates a chain of events that makes Freja want to solve the girl's family mystery... And she has to do it before the month is over.

Sweet, fearless Freja is on a mission to find out more about the girl. Dressed in her cargo pants, carrying her pocket knife and climbing down a rope to sneak out from her room, she is such a sweet little adventurer. She's kind and caring, and unstoppable in achieving her goal. But she's not too in your face ''different from the other girls''. She just... IS.

The setting of Singapore, all the sights and sounds was very interesting, especially because we're told about the traditions and legends of the people living there.

I personally found that it was very easy to follow and understand, so it makes for quite a quick read.

It was delightfully spooky, but the spookish elements were just gently peppered into the story, so it's not to dark and chilling. I felt the payoff was great, especially because the resolution comes with a few emotional moments for our lovely protagonist.

Last but not least, will you look at that cover?

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this gem.

I really wanted to get into the story but just couldn't some parts were just to much for me. I loved the setting and the concept though

ARC Copy...although I was happy about the Singapore setting and a mystery to be solved, I was disappointed with setting aspects + depth. It didn't feel vividly in depth in terms of imagery, sounds, smells and mood of Singapore; for example describing Sentosa as more then a beach area, more detailing-description with foods like "Roti" within the narrative. I wish also the other cultures in the Singaporean mix were given more focus-details besides the dominant Chinese influence. The Chinese influences portrayed also felt needed more "anchoring" to the area/regionalism. The Chinese aspects didn't feel like Strait Chinese, Fujin, Hokkien, or Baba-Nyonya as it could have been; felt more general China.

this was a good middle-grade book - though I read till the 60% (ish) mark before dnf-ing as this was not what I expected or signed up for (ill admit its partly my fault).

I thought this was an own-voices book and was excited to have a middle grade set in my home country, featuring a part of my culture. But while reading the book, it was pretty clear that this was from a perspective of a foreigner (both the author and the main character), and no matter how I read it, there will be that disconnect that fails to draw me in and I tend to be really lenient with middle grade cause they're meant to fun and easy to consume, they bring me a lot of joy! But this one was a miss for me. I'm essentially reading about my own culture and home country which, frankly not interested and takes away from my enjoyment.

That being said, loved the premise of the book, the main character was pleasant to read from. Would I recommend it as a middle-grade book, sure! but there are also numerous of Singaporean middle-grade books out there that are own voices and deliver great stories so ehh

(i didn't rate the book on Goodreads since i don't think it'll be fair to affect its official rating cause of my personal bias and mistake so,, dnf)

Twelve-year old Freja moves to Singapore from Denmark at the start of this book. Everything is new to her, but that's not the focus here. As the title suggests, the Hungry Ghost Festival is an important aspect of the story, and it changes Freja's life in a way she wouldn't have expected.

I really like how vibrant Singapore is described, and brought to life in this book. Familiar sights are brought up, and any mention of the food there is always welcome.

After reading a lot of adult and YA books predominantly, I had to keep reminding myself that this was a middle-grade story. Freja cannot be blamed entirely for some of the choices she makes in this book, although I was a little concerned by her attachment to some of her survival equipment. Children younger than twelve might need some guidance while reading this.

There's a bit of horror here (don't let the shiny red cover fool you!). It's alright for older readers, but might indeed scare younger ones.

All in all, this was a solid read, and deserves to be on the bookshelves of young readers.

I give this 3.5 stars.

Imagine you are 12 years old and just moved to an unknown country and the first friend you make is a ghost. Intriguing isn't it?

If you like children books with mystery and a bit of Chinese mythology you would surely like this. Though the story sometimes became bore at places, I liked the overall story and how all characters and the plot is developed and enjoyed this book!

I have posted a detailed review on my blog!

Thank you so much for the eARC. This was a lovely children's novel with an interesting concept. I'm sure children will be able to floow the story as well as enjoy it.

Thank you, NetGalley for this ARC.
I think when people read this book, they need to remember it's a book for kids and not be overly critical. I found the story to be very exciting and fast-paced, I got scared at some point, but that's because I'm a scaredy-cat and I was projecting my very adult fears onto young Freja. Overall, it's a very engagging read

This was a good middle grade book that introduced kids to the Singapore culture, a subject I can’t recall seeing in other books before. A decent mystery for kids who like ghosts.

What a delightful work! Reminiscent of Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away in book-form, the fusion of diverse cultures and spooky fantasy within Norup’s narrative is dazzlingly imaginative. Not only is Freja an entirely relatable character (experiencing the unfortunately common situation of a split family), but she is also the badass character (with a Swiss Army knife!) that we all want to be. Any children ages 8 and up who are hungry for an utterly transportive, fantastical adventure will adore this book!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Pushkin Press for the privilege of reading this work!